Arrest records in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana are public documents pursuant to the Louisiana Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all records maintained by public bodies, including arrest records, shall be available for inspection by any person of the age of majority, unless specifically exempted by law. The Louisiana Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the parish. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties. Public access to these records is considered essential to maintaining the integrity of the criminal justice system and ensuring public safety through informed awareness.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in accordance with La. R.S. 44:3, which protects records related to pending criminal investigations, juvenile records, and information that might compromise ongoing law enforcement operations. Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection.
Vermilion Parish arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by authorized governmental agencies and third-party providers. The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search database that allows members of the public to search for current and recently released inmates. This resource provides basic information regarding individuals who have been arrested and processed through the parish detention facilities.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to the provisions of La. R.S. 44:32, which requires custodians of public records to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals to examine and reproduce public records. Digital access to these records represents the parish's effort to comply with this requirement while adapting to technological advancements in record-keeping and dissemination.
Users of online arrest record databases should be aware that the information provided may not be comprehensive or current in all instances. Records available online may be limited to recent arrests or may not include complete case disposition information. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, direct contact with the records custodian at the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office is recommended.
Multiple methods are available for accessing Vermilion Parish arrest records in 2025, including both in-person and remote options. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a public records request to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office Records Division at 14202 Allen M. Bares, Jr. Dr., Abbeville, LA 70510. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (337) 898-4405.
Visit the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court located at 100 N State St, Abbeville, LA 70510. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (337) 898-1992.
Access the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office online inmate search which provides information on current and recently released inmates.
Utilize the Louisiana Department of Corrections offender search for information on individuals currently under state supervision.
Submit a request to the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information at 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806. Telephone: (225) 925-6095.
Pursuant to La. R.S. 44:32(C), a reasonable fee may be charged for copies of public records. The fee schedule is established by the custodian of records and typically includes charges for document reproduction, certification, and staff time required to fulfill extensive requests.
Arrest records maintained by Vermilion Parish law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 228. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the policies of the maintaining agency. Records related to arrests resulting from warrants may contain additional information regarding the circumstances that led to the issuance of the warrant.
The expungement process in Vermilion Parish is governed by Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 971-995, which provide mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may be eligible for expungement if their case resulted in:
The expungement procedure requires the filing of a petition with the Vermilion Parish Clerk of Court at 100 N State St, Abbeville, LA 70510. The petition must be accompanied by all required documentation and the payment of filing fees as established by La. R.S. 44:4.1. Current filing fees for expungement petitions range from $550 to $650, depending on the nature of the case.
Upon receipt of a properly filed expungement petition, the court will schedule a contradictory hearing with the District Attorney's Office, the arresting agency, and the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification. If the court grants the expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to remove these records from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal representation through the Louisiana Office of the State Public Defender if they meet financial eligibility requirements, or through private counsel experienced in expungement proceedings.